Crossing more borders, the new coronavirus hit a milestone Friday, infecting more than 100,000 people worldwide as it wove itself deeper into the daily lives of millions, infecting the powerful, the unprotected poor and vast masses in between.
The virus, which has killed more than 3,400 people and emerged in more than 90 countries, edged into more U.S. states and even breached the halls of the Vatican. It forced mosques in Iran and beyond to halt weekly Muslim prayers, blocked pilgrims from Jesus’ birthplace in Bethlehem and upended Japan’s plans for the Olympic torch parade.
As financial markets dived again, repercussions from the virus also rattled livelihoods in the real economy.
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MIDDLE EAST
US blocks UN statement backing Syria ceasefire: diplomats.
Syria war: Idlib ceasefire between Russia and Turkey begins.
Tense calm, sporadic clashes in Idlib as Russia-Turkey ceasefire broadly holds.
Turkey kills 21 Syrian troops as cease-fire with Russia signed.
Iraq forces continue fight against ISIL without US air support.
ANOTHER senior Iranian official dies from coronavirus: Foreign minister adviser, who took part in 1979 US embassy hostage crisis, is regime's latest victim.
Friday prayers across Middle East overshadowed by coronavirus fears.
Palestine declares state of emergency over coronavirus.
ASIA
Asia-Pacific economies face $211 bn hit from virus, says S&P.
Gunmen stage deadly attack on Shiite memorial service in Afghan capital.
Afghan political leader Abdullah escapes attack on Kabul ceremony.
Trump insists Taliban wants to 'make a deal' after surge in violence in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan war crimes investigation by ICC goes ahead despite US opposition.
Trump: Taliban could 'possibly' seize power after US troops leave.
Coronavirus heightens tensions between Japan and South Korea.
North Korea stays quiet on Kim Jong Un letter.
India protest violence leaves thousands displaced.
Pakistan is hit by its worst locust plague in 30 years: Insect swarms DECIMATE entire harvests as country declares nationwide emergency.
AFRICA
U.S. creates new envoy position to counter rising terrorism in Sahel.
Away from coronavirus, DR Congo battles deadly measles outbreak.
Egypt detects 12 new coronavirus cases on Nile cruise boat.
Suicide bombers kill policeman in attack near US embassy in Tunisia’s capital.
Six killed in attack on Nigeria military base.
Zambia's leader blames church officials for mob violence.
Sudan's June crackdown may have killed 241 people: Rights group.
Guinea protests: One dead in anti-government demonstration.
Congo protests against unpaid pensions as gov't debt balloons.
Farmers fear impact of Nile River dam.
Coronavirus: What misinformation has spread in Africa?
EUROPE
Vatican halts Mexico abuse prevention mission, cites virus.
EU blasts Turkey for “organized” migrant attack on Greece.
Clashes between Greek police, migrants reported on Turkish border.
Refugees told 'Europe is closed' as tensions rise at Greece-Turkey border.
‘Open the gates,’ migrants chant at Turkey-Greece border.
EU 'won't be pressured' over Greece-Turkey border crisis.
Ukraine president: Putin has one year to strike deal to end war.
Europe experiences exceptionally warm winter.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle begin farewell Royal events.
AMERICAS
Trump to host Brazilian president Bolsonaro in Florida.
Trump meets Tennessee tornado survivors and tours destruction which razed homes and shakes their hands despite first case of coronavirus hitting state.
Costa Rica confirms first coronavirus case in Central America.
Colombia confirms its first case of coronavirus.
Coronavirus: Trump signs $8.3bn aid bill as cases rise.
Solid US economy bracing for coronavirus infection.
US economy adds 273K jobs in February, crushing expectations amid coronavirus worries.
US Senator Romney to vote for Burisma subpoena.
Poll shows Joe Biden SIXTEEN points ahead of Bernie Sanders as AOC says she WILL back Biden if he gets the Democratic nomination despite her campaigning for democratic socialist.
Biden, Sanders set for key battle in Michigan.
Brazil recalls diplomats, officials from Venezuela.
'Our role is central': more than 1m Chilean women to march in huge protest.
Guyana president urged not to claim election victory. Guyana election: US concerned over 'electoral fraud'.
U.S. charges Russian billionaire with hiding $1B in income, assets.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Singapore jails Indonesian maid for funding IS-linked group.
Suicide bombers target police near U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.
Turkey’s Operation “Spring Shield” delivers blow to Hezbollah.
Uzbek jihadist group congratulates Taliban for ‘victory’ in Afghanistan.
Germany: Alleged IS terrorist goes on trial.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Dow falls 250 points at close after wild week on Wall Street amid coronavirus fears.
Apple tells ALL its 12,000 staff at the Cupertino HQ to work from home with immediate effect - following Facebook and Microsoft edicts to its Bay Area staff.
Oil prices plunge 8% after OPEC+ fails to agree on a massive production cut.
The coronavirus is shaking up the world's art market in unexpected ways.
House investigation finds Boeing’s 737 Max was ‘marred’ by technical problems, lack of transparency.
